As the construction industry looks to the future, sustainable construction will become increasingly important and companies that embrace sustainable practices will be well-positioned for success.
Survey findings
The enhancement and evolution of regulations will be necessary to drive change
There is a requirement to discretise and disseminate national net-zero ambitions into industry and sector-specific mandates built on feedback and engagement and aligned to achievable and pragmatic goals. These standards need to challenge the market to evolve and drive continuous improvements across all aspects of construction.
Integrating sustainability requirements into procurement processes will facilitate greater understanding and transparency about current performance and growth opportunity areas
Sustainability must become a core decision driver alongside cost, quality, and delivery feeding into prequalification and tenders to ensure basic minimums in the first instance and the standardisation of data transparency. Through supply chain mapping and engagement, it is possible to achieve greater impact in a shorter time frame and to deliver on the most stringent of commitments in a cost-effective manner.
A need to fully understand and integrate net-zero thinking into business operations
There is a need to go beyond simple commitment and outline strategies that deliver structure and which facilitate the means to implement a plan of action – a clear roadmap for the business which considers the intervention, change and evolution necessary in the operating model alongside the engagement and delivery of the business services and products.
Whole life cycle perspectives will be needed to reshape the value model on which construction is built
It is only when all the impacts are considered and understood that true value can be seen. Carbon-based decision-making is needed within the development process in the construction industry to broaden perspectives, facilitate the integration of circular thinking and drive the monumental step-change in Scope 3 emissions reductions that is necessary.
Our survey highlights that in order to build a sustainable future for the Middle East’s built environment, businesses and their stakeholders must rethink the way in which they approach construction projects. By valuing sustainability and incorporating green materials, technologies and practices into building plans, the industry can do its part to slow or even help reverse the effects of climate change and positively impact the lives of future generations to come.
In the interim, COP28 is certain to be a catalyst for the UAE construction sector and is expected to will bring about a significant, positive impact on its future. It is hoped that the conference will ensure digital transformation remains at the forefront of the industry, creating more efficient processes that reduce costs, improve quality and environmental standards and increase productivity. The conference also has the potential to create more jobs and economic growth as companies seek to turn to sustainability and climate change experts both in the lead-up to and post the event.
With a collaborative effort from industry professionals, politicians, scientists, designers, and communities alike – there is no limit when it comes to building a sustainable future.
In the months leading up to COP28, we will share our recommendations for addressing the industry requirements discussed within this report.
Topics we will cover will include:
- How regulatory evolution could shape the industry as we know it
- What a sustainable procurement approach looks like and how to implement across your projects
- Where net zero should drive a sustainable journey
- Why a life cycle perspective delivers better value throughout the industry.
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